In the Shadows

Undocumented Immigration in America

This film, a modern day "Grapes of Wrath," follows Jairo and his extended family of undocumented immigrants from their home in Mexico to a dairy farm in the USA in search of a better life and a means to send money home to their struggling families. Along the way, they encounter dangerous border crossing conditions and a run-in with immigration authorities. This film explores why immigration remains an enduring issue for our country.

"...places a human face on the ongoing debate over undocumented workers in the United States...it does shed light on those willing to gamble to improve their lot in life." "Recommended for all collections." -Stephen L. Hupp, Library Journal, Sept. 2016

"Fair...The film takes an intelligent, personal look at both sides of a complicated issue that continues to bedevil Americans...Recommended" "3 out of 4 possible stars" - J. Hall, Video Librarian, July/August 2016

"A personable film...if you're looking to personalize and humanize the politics of immigration, this is a nice place to start." -Mike Bell, Film Threat

Comments (2)

I thought it was pretty useful to see all the different points of view; it made me realize this is a multifaceted issue that does not have one universal solution.

Daniel

Broadbandaid Films•3 years ago•Filmmaker

I began to learn about the dangers that undocumented immigrants face while talking with Charlie the owner of the farm depicted in this documentary. After hearing stories from Charlie about the arduous journeys his employees faced while trying to cross the Mexican border to the USA, and ...Read more

I began to learn about the dangers that undocumented immigrants face while talking with Charlie the owner of the farm depicted in this documentary. After hearing stories from Charlie about the arduous journeys his employees faced while trying to cross the Mexican border to the USA, and learning that approximately 400 people die each year trying to cross, I knew that I had to do something to bring attention to this situation.

I had been exploring the idea of making a documentary for some time and after spending a few weeks on the farm getting to know the workers and hearing their stories , it became something I felt compelled to do. I knew that telling people about the deaths, kidnappings and other dangers migrant workers face would not be enough. I sought out likable characters making a personable film, while educating the viewer about the migrants’ lives in a way that they would find interesting and engaging. I did not espouse any particular opinion, but sought to engage others and make them think - to come up with their own. I believe that my film, “In the Shadows” accomplishes this goal.

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